Cardiovascular Health

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Contact Information

Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
Cardiovascular and School Health
3530 Wilshire Blvd.,
8th Floor, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90010
CVSH@ph.lacounty.gov

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Park Rx Los Angeles County: Nature as Medicine

An Initiative of the County of Los Angeles

Breathe. Move. Heal.
Park Rx Los Angeles County (Park Rx LAC) is a wellness-centered initiative that connects Angelenos to the healing power of nature and social connection. By promoting group outdoor activities in neighborhood parks and green spaces, the program supports physical health, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of community belonging.

What Is Park Rx Los Angeles County?
Park Rx (short for Park Prescriptions) is based on a simple but powerful idea: spending time in nature with others can improve your health and well-being. Through Park Rx LAC, healthcare providers and community partners encourage residents to walk, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with the outdoors, promoting not only physical and mental health but also social connection and community belonging.

Whether you’re a parent balancing daily responsibilities, a student managing stress, a park staff member supporting your neighborhood, or a healthcare provider promoting holistic wellness, Park Rx LAC makes it easy to experience the healing power of nature together.

Why It Matters

Research shows that spending time in green spaces lowers stress, boosts mood, improves fitness, and strengthens community ties. Outdoor activities, especially when shared with others, help reduce feelings of isolation, increase energy, and foster a greater sense of connection to both people and place.

By helping Angelenos build healthy habits through nature and community, Park Rx LAC supports a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles County.

How It Works

Park Rx Los Angeles County (Park Rx LAC) brings together healthcare providers, park agencies, and colleges and universities to make it easy for community members to get active in nature.

Healthcare Providers Prescribe Nature
Doctors give “Park Prescriptions” that encourage patients to spend time outdoors for better health, whether that means walking in a nearby park, joining a free fitness class, or exploring local trails.

Colleges and Universities Lead Activities
Colleges and universities offer group activities like walking clubs, strength and cardio classes, and other movement programs in neighborhood parks and green spaces. These activities are open to all Angelenos and designed to support adults across various abilities, from beginners to advanced levels.

Parks and Recreation Create Welcoming Spaces
Local park agencies play a vital role by maintaining safe, beautiful, and inclusive spaces where Angelenos feel welcome to move, connect, and unwind. Parks and Recreation teams help make it easier for everyone to get outdoors by offering accessible walking paths, shade, and rest areas.

Residents Reconnect With Nature Together
Participants experience the mental, physical, and social benefits of being active outdoors while building a stronger connection to their community and local environment.

By linking healthcare and parks, Park Rx LAC helps make healthy living easier, more enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.

Get Involved

Everyone has a role to play in helping Los Angeles County become a healthier, more connected community. Whether you’re looking to improve your own well-being, support patients, or strengthen neighborhoods, Park Rx LAC offers simple ways to get involved.

For Community Members

Discover the parks and outdoor programs near you! Join a walking group, take a free outdoor fitness class, or simply spend more time in nature. Small steps, like a short walk in your local park, can make a big difference for your mind and body.

For Healthcare Providers

Incorporate nature into your patients’ wellness plans. Park Rx LAC provides tools and resources that make it easy to “prescribe” outdoor activity as part of routine care. Encourage your patients to be active outdoors and connect them to nearby parks and community programs.

For Colleges and Universities

Engage students in hands-on learning that promotes health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Through Park Rx LAC, colleges and universities can partner on internships, research, and service-learning projects that strengthen connections between public health, parks, and communities.

For Park Partners

Collaborate with Park Rx LAC to expand access to nature-based wellness programs. By hosting group activities, improving park accessibility, and promoting local green spaces, park partners help make the benefits of nature available to everyone across Los Angeles County.

Park Rx LAC Video

Learn More / Contact Us

To learn more about Park Rx Los Angeles County, upcoming activities, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Park Rx Los Angeles County Project Lead
Rebecca Reeves, PT, MPT
Email: rreeves@ph.lacounty.gov

Funding

This pilot project is funded through a two-year grant from the Los Angeles County Quality and Productivity Commission, which supports initiatives that improve County services.